Connecticut

Abbe Smith

NEW HAVEN — Police Lt. Rebecca Sweeney and her team of “quality of life” enforcers aren’t looking to stomp on anyone’s good time.

They just want to protect everyone’s right to a good — and safe — night out in the downtown entertainment district.

Melissa Bailey

Lt. Jeff Hoffman already caught one illegal ATV rider this season, and police are on the hunt for more.
Standing beside the Yamaha four-wheeler that banged into his cruiser during a pursuit May 4, Hoffman (at left in photo) joined other top cops Thursday in announcing a spring crackdown on drivers of illegal vehicles.

The crackdown will target dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and unregistered cars, all of which are not permitted on city streets, said Police Chief Limon in a press conference at the Blatchley Avenue substation Thursday afternoon.

BETHEL -- Bethel police pursued an all terrain vehicle in a high-speed chase Saturday at 12:10 p.m., police said.
Police observed someone driving an ATV on Old Hawleyville Road and attempted to stop it, but the driver sped away, according to reports.

Police said they eventually found the ATV and the driver, Jason Salcedo, 28, of Scuppo Road, Danbury, at a residence on Redwood Drive.

Mark Zaretsky

BRANFORD — Police arrested a Laurel Hill Road man at gunpoint early Sunday on a number of charges after responding to reports of gunshots at 1:15 a.m. and then finding him on an ATV in the Pisgah Brook property with three firearms and a 6-inch knife, police said.

Antonio Mauro, 28, of 186 Laurel Hill Road, was arrested after police investigated a complaint of gunshots being heard. He was charged with carrying a gun without a permit, carrying a firearm under the influence, criminal possession of a gun, carrying a dangerous weapon, violation of a protective order, third-degree criminal trespass and violation of a town ordinance. He was released on $10,000 bail and arraigned today in Superior Court in New Haven.

Kate Ramunni

OXFORD -- Two weeks ago Jody Dardis set out on her horse Sweet Baby Jane on the Larkin Bridle Trail to take in the fall foliage atop her equine friend.

But that trek ended with a trip to the hospital, surgery and now a long recovery for Dardis after two people on all-terrain vehicles startled the horse, sending Dardis to the ground.

Ann DeMatteo

Police are once again stepping up enforcement against motorized vehicles in Peter’s Rock Park.

Police Chief James X. DiCarlo recently met with the Peter’s Rock Association to discuss vandalism to the park’s trails and risks to hikers.

Ken Byron

The police department's all-terrain vehicle unit, which includes a sergeant and three officers, has completed training and has started on patrol of town-owned open space.

The town has bought several parcels to preserve open space in recent years, particularly in the south end of town. Officials have sought police patrols on the land because of increased illegal use of motorized off-road vehicles, including along some walking trails.

This summer, the town spent $16,000 for two all-terrain vehicles for the police.

Police said that on the first weekend of patrols, three Meriden residents were charged with trespassing and weapons charges.

--

Source: http://www.courant.com/community/berlin/hc-berlin-atv-patrols-0929.artsep28,0,7471393.story

Greg Smith

In response to complaints about illegal all-terrain vehicle riding, Sprague’s resident trooper, John Patterson, said he is fighting back.

A new ATV, complete with lights, sirens and skull graphics, will allow Patterson to traverse areas once inaccessible to his patrol car.

Mark Brackenbury

NORTH HAVEN -- For five years, members of the Peter's Rock Association have worked to beautify the park for which their organization is named.

But their work has been made more challenging by the actions of people who use the park as a dump site, scrawl graffiti on structures and destroy the hiking trails with all-terrain vehicles.